The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted two of its trained Gaganyaan astronauts for training with NASA as part of its Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
According to reports, the training will begin in August. The NASA website says the Axiom-4 mission will take place no earlier than October 2024.
The two ISRO astronauts are from the four selected for the Gaganyaan Mission. All four are with the Indian Air Force.
The selected astronauts will travel to the United States to train on ISS specifics, transitioning from their Gaganyaan module training in India.
The Axiom-4 mission, NASA's fourth private astronaut mission with Axiom Space, will take one of the Indian astronaut to the ISS for a fourteen-day mission.
NASA has stated the Ax-4 crew members will train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX for their flight. SpaceX is the launch provider.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US last year, it was announced that NASA would provide advanced training to Indian astronauts.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson confirmed during his 2023 visit to Delhi that the agency will train an Indian astronaut for a mission to the ISS by the end of 2024.
This mission represents a historic collaboration between India and the US, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.